The taxonomic status of the rosy boa Lichanura roseofusca (Serpentes: Boidae)

Evidence is presented indicating that Lichanura roseofusca and Lichanura trivirgata are conspecific. Data include the report of an intermediate specimen from El Arco, Baja California Norte, a site midway between the previously known peninsular ranges of the two species; captive hybridization provides additional support for the conclusion.     

How many insect species are in your country? The example of Trinidad and Tobago

Data from well-studied taxa are used together with explicit assumptions and estimates of the world fauna to estimate the number of insect species in Trinidad and Tobago. The median estimate of the world fauna is 4.8 million, while the median estimate of Trinidad and Tobago’s share in the world fauna is 4.8%. Accordingly, it is estimated within broad confidence limits that Trinidad and Tobago harbour 230,400 species. The approach used allows for a refinement of this estimate as new or better data become available.     

Changes in the littoral macroinvertebrate assemblages of Oak Mere from 1980 to 1998

Data on the macroinvertebrate assemblages of Oak Mere, England are presented for the period 1980 to 1998. There was a marked fall in species richness and numbers of individuals associated with a fall in surface level. Correlations between surface level, areas of vegetation and aspects of the macroinvertebrate assemblages are demonstrated.     

Carapace epibionts of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting at Canaveral National Seashore,Florida

A survey of the epibionts inhabiting the carapace of loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta (Linnaeus) nesting on Canaveral National Seashore, Florida was conducted from 2003–2004. Epibionts were sampled and identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible. Eleven newly documented epibiont species were observed from 52 individual loggerheads. We present the first records of sea urchins as loggerhead epibionts. Data are presented on the behavioural, physical, and ecological characteristics of some of these newly documented species to understand better the relationship between loggerhead turtles and their epibiota.     

Parasites from two species of suckers (Catostomidae) from southern Utah

Twenty Catostomus latipinnis and 50 Catostomus discobolis from La Verkin Creek and the Fremont River in southern Utah were collected and surveyed for parasites. Data from the survey indicated that 83 percent of the fish were infected with at least one parasite, with the fish from La Verkin Creek harboring more parasites. Twelve genera and 12 species of parasites were identified from these fish. A monogenetic trematode, Gyrodactylus elegans, which was found in 90 percent of the fish, was the most common parasite. Comments are included on habitat and host variations for the parasitofauna from suckers taken from the two locations.     

Aylax hypecoi Trotter (Hymenoptera,Cynipidae) in Europe: Redescription,with taxonomic and biological notes

Aylax hypecoi (Trotter) (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae, Aylacini), a poorly known cynipid wasp inducing galls on Hypecoum species (Papaveraceae), was described from North Africa and also doubtfully recorded from Greece about a century ago. The species has now been found in Bulgaria and thus its presence in Europe is confirmed for the first time. The species is redescribed and illustrated with SEM pictures of the adult female; galls are also described and illustrated. Data on distribution and biology are given, and its taxonomic and phylogenetic position are discussed. Aylax spirorhynchusii Diakontshuk, , another aylacine species, recorded from Transcaucasus and Middle Asia as a gall‐inducer on Spirorhynchus sabulosus Kar. and Kir. (Brassicaceae) is a synonym of Aylax hypecoi and the host plant record stated is a possible misidentification.     

Raptors of the Uinta National Forest, Utah

The past and present use of the Uinta National Forest by birds of prey was determined from historical records and surveys conducted during 1973, 1974, and 1975. Data describing the history, present status, and physical characteristics of each nest site were collected, along with the type and intensivity of human activity within a half - mile radius of the nest. In addition, limited data on fall migration of raptors along the Wasatch Front and the food habits of Golden Eagles are presented. Management guidelines, based on the results of this study, are proposed.     

Interactions among squirrels, mycorrhizal fungi, and coniferous forests in Oregon

We examined the mycophagy (ingestion of fungi) of squirrels of five genera and eight species in the coniferous forests of Oregon. Data from 644 dietary samples demonstrated that squirrels of all eight species are mycophagous and eat the belowground fruiting bodies of at least 26 genera of mycorrhizal fungi. Four species are primarily arboreal and active throughout the year; the other four are primarily terrestrial and hibernate during winter. Of the squirrels examined, only the northern flying squirrel ( Glaucomys sabrinus [Shaw]) is nocturnal and almost exclusively a fungivore. The flying squirrel is used to illustrate the dynamics of all the squirrels in association with hypogeous mycorrhizal fungi, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, yeast, and coniferous trees in Oregon forests because we have studied it the most. Squirrels may prove to be vital links among different processes within temperate coniferous forests.     

On the systematics,distribution and conservation status of Ichthyophis longicephalus Pillai, 1986 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Ichthyophiidae)

The caecilian Ichthyophis longicephalus was described in 1986 based on a single specimen. Only one specimen has been referred subsequently to this species, and the validity of that referral has been questioned. Seven specimens discovered in 2009–2010 at two new localities and two specimens collected in 1990 from a third locality are referred here to I. longicephalus. These specimens are described and compared with the poorly preserved holotype. Mitochondrial DNA data are consistent with the interpretation that the new specimens represent a single species distinct from (and most closely related to I. tricolor among) sampled congeners. The previously referred specimen, from c. 320 km south of the type locality, is not I. longicephalus and probably represents an undescribed species. The “rediscovery” of I. longicephalus in forests and disturbed habitats indicates that the species probably could be transferred from the Data Deficient to the Least Concern category of the IUCN Red List.     

Selenium geochemical relationships of some northern Nevada soils

Soil samples, one from each of 10 locations in northern Nevada, were evaluated for redox potential, total and extractable selenium, phosphate, free iron oxide, total and ferrous iron. Mole fractions for extractable selenium species were calculated from redox potentials. Data were used to extrapolate general geochemical relationships for soil selenium at the sample sites. Results obtained from one sample per location allowed only the most general conclusions to be drawn. Soil phosphate levels, which affect the adsorption of selenite species on iron oxide by competing for adsorption sites, were not correlated with levels of extractable selenium in this study. This would suggest that selenium would exist in solution, having been displaced from adsorption sites by phosphorous. Ferrous iron, iron oxides, and redox potential had a combined effect on the level of extractable selenium at all sites. Soils in this study support selenite species that are not readily available to plants and therefore could not support vegetation adequate in Se.     

Applicability of the universal soil loss equation for southeastern Idaho wildlands

Soil physical and chemical properties were studied to identify habitat differences among 15 sagebrush dominated plant community types of the Great Basin. The sagebrush taxa studied followed an apparent gradient of increasing soil fertility, with Artemisia nova commonly occupying the lowest fertility sites. Sites of moderate soil fertility tended to support A. arbuscula , A. longiloba , and A. tridentata ssp. Wyomingensis . Artemisia tridentata ssp. Tridentata and A. tridentata ssp. Vaseyana were commonly found on sites with the highest soil fertility levels as indicated by maximum organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels within such soils. Mollic epipedon depth, total depth, and water-holding capacity of the soil also increased as the dominant sagebrush taxon of a community type changed from A. nova to A. tridentata ssp. Vaseyana . Data from this study provide information concerning soil relationships within relatively undisturbed rangeland communities. Such data are required if future soil sampling efforts within the Great Basin are to have a basis for comparison.     

Soil characteristics of mountainous northeastern Nevada sagebrush community types

Soil physical and chemical properties were studied to identify habitat differences among 15 sagebrush dominated plant community types of the Great Basin. The sagebrush taxa studied followed an apparent gradient of increasing soil fertility, with Artemisia nova commonly occupying the lowest fertility sites. Sites of moderate soil fertility tended to support A. arbuscula , A. longiloba , and A. tridentata ssp. Wyomingensis . Artemisia tridentata ssp. Tridentata and A. tridentata ssp. Vaseyana were commonly found on sites with the highest soil fertility levels as indicated by maximum organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels within such soils. Mollic epipedon depth, total depth, and water-holding capacity of the soil also increased as the dominant sagebrush taxon of a community type changed from A. nova to A. tridentata ssp. Vaseyana . Data from this study provide information concerning soil relationships within relatively undisturbed rangeland communities. Such data are required if future soil sampling efforts within the Great Basin are to have a basis for comparison.     

The soil mite family Eremaeidae (Acari: Oribatida) in Mongolia,with remarks on distribution and diversity of known genera

The oribatid mite family Eremaeidae is represented in Mongolia by eight species in three genera. Three new species, Eueremaeus tenuisensillatus sp. nov., Eu. crassisetosus sp. nov. and Eu. laticostulatus sp. nov., collected from cool temperate forests, dry steppe and semi-desert habitats in central and southern Mongolia, are described on the basis of adults. Five known species, Eremaeus hepaticus C. L. Koch, Eu. oblongus (C. L. Koch), Eu. granulatus (Mihel?i?), Proteremaeus mongolicus (Golosova) and P. punctulatus Bayartogtokh are redescribed; the first three of these are recorded for the first time from Mongolia. Taxonomic status of Eu. granulatus (Mihel?i?) and Eu. silvestris (Forsslund) is discussed, and the latter is considered a junior synonym of the former species. The following new combinations are proposed: Eueremaeus brevifer (Mahunka), Eueremaeus fossulatus (Kunst) and Eueremaeus roissi (Piffl). A key to Mongolian species of Eremaeidae is given. Data on distribution and diversity of Eremaeidae of the world are discussed.     

Digenean species diversity in teleost fish from a nature reserve off Corsica,France (Western Mediterranean), and a comparison with other Mediterranean regions

Data on the digenean parasites of 2238 teleosts from the Scandola Nature Reserve off Corsica are presented. These represent the largest general survey of digenean parasites attempted in the Mediterranean region and is the result of major collections and systematic reports published over the past 20 years. The number of different digenean species recorded from 63 fish species was 102. Full parasite-host and host-parasite lists are presented, with information on the geographical distribution of the parasites, their site within the host and the prevalence, adundance and intensity of the infections. The digenean fauna of teleosts off Corsica is compared with that in other regions of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. A more detailed analysis of the diversity of these parasites in sparid fishes indicates that the digenean diversity off Corsica is far greater than that in other parts of the Mediterranean.     

Synopsis of the life cycles of Digenea (Platyhelminthes) from lagoons of the northern coast of the western Mediterranean

The present document reports on the large amount of data relating to digenean parasites recorded from or known to be present in various hosts in lagoons of the northern coast of the western Mediterranean, which has been compiled from the literature of more than a century. In these lagoons, at least 72 nominal species of digeneans have been recorded. This total corresponds to approximately 12% of the 584 “marine” digenean species reported for Europe. Data are provided on the life cycles of 56 digenean species. The life cycle has been totally elucidated for 44 species (25 from fish, 19 from birds), and partly for the other 12 species (seven from fish, five from birds). This means that the life cycle is known for 61.1% of the recorded fauna (44/72) and partly for 16.7%, but remains unknown for 22.2%, making it, in this respect, one of the best understood digenean marine faunas in the world. In addition, a checklist is provided dealing with the cercarial and metacercarial forms recorded from lagoons of the northern coast of the western Mediterranean, which have been described only on the basis of characters of these larval stages and which remain without demonstrated links to a corresponding sexual adult stage in a vertebrate.     

Two zoogeographically remarkable mite species from Finland (Acari,Oribatida, Oribotritiidae)

Species of the genus Mesothuria (fam. Synallactidae) occurring in the Atlantic Ocean are revised. The genus includes 25 valid species, nine of them known from the Atlantic. The new species Mesothuria milleri sp. nov. is described from the north-east Atlantic. It is argued that the genus Zygothuria, established by Perrier in 1898 and recognized later only by Deichmann, should be maintained as a separate genus. Mesothuria and Zygothuria differ in body form, arrangement of ambulacral appendages, and structure of segments of calcareous ring and ossicles from the body wall. The six known species of Zygothuria are reviewed. Zygothuria oxysclera, a former variation of Zygothuria lactea, is proposed as a valid species. Identification keys to species of the genus Zygothuria and Atlantic species of the genus Mesothuria are provided. Data on the life history and reproductive biology of Mesothuria milleri and Zygothuria lactea are given. Both species are common in the north-east Atlantic.     

Breeding range expansion of the Starling in Utah

The discovery and observation of colonies of starlings nesting in the eastern Great Basin desert indicates further expansion of the breeding range of this species in Utah. Data on nest site selection, nesting productivity, food habits, and relationships with other avian species are presented.     

Habitat and community relationships of cliffrose ( Cowania mexicana var. stansburiana ) in central Utah

Cliffrose ( Cowania mexicana var. stansburiana [Torr.] Jepson) community measurements were taken in central Utah. Data revealed a high between-site similarity of 78.5%. Soil analysis for sites showed most macronutrients, and some micronutrients, relatively low. Cover of cliffrose was found to increase with increases in soil magnesium (p ≤ 0.01). Plants growing on the sites have adapted life cycles to exploit moisture and nutrients during seasons of maximum availability. Prevalent species in the community were cheatgrass ( Bromus tectorum ), cliffrose, madwort ( Alyssum alyssoides ), and bluebunch wheatgrass ( Agropyron spicatum ). Annual grasses were the most important life form to community composition; the second was shrubs. Ratios between soil nutrients and cliffrose tissue nutrients indicate active transport of some elements. Data indicated a steady decline in establishment of new cliffrose individuals on the sites since 1957. This lack of reproductive success is most likely due to a combination of factors but appears most influenced by the elevated levels of annual plants (mainly cheatgrass) on the sites. If the cliffrose communities in central Utah are to be maintained, special attention to their management must be considered and implemented.     

Reproduction of the prairie skink, Eumeces septentrionalis , in Nebraska

Clutch sizes of the prairie skink, Eumeces septentrionalis , in Nebraska are positively correlated with female snout-vent lengths (SVLs). Data presented in this study and others indicate Nebraska populations of E. septentrionalis have larger average clutch sizes than other populations within this species' range.